Bike Friday steerer flex normal??

[photocycler]

Hi,
I'm the proud new owner of an older BF and I'm surprised by the amount of steerer flex that I have. I haven't tried to measure the deflection, but any stress on the handle bars causes a 'significant' amount of sideways/rocking motion to the stem & bars.

The bike is a 1998 Navigator, similar to the Metro with flat bars on a raised stem. I've tightened the hinge QR lever as tight as I can get it but the stem extender itself appears to flex. The hinge is a flat type, and does not resemble the 'claw' type that I've seen in pictures. Possibly this is inherent only in this older type of hinge?

Can any BF owners tell me whether flex is normal in the long stems on a BF and suggest a fix if it's not? My only other folder is a Twenty and you owners can attest to the rock solid feel of this bike.

Thanks,
Jack

[DaFriMon]

I'm used to some slight backwards and forwards flex on my Fridays (a Crusoe with drop bars and a Pocket Tourist with H bars) The sideways flex is a new one to me, though. Doesn't sound right, although I'm open to correction. In addition to making sure that the QR is tight, I'd check to see that it's all the way down.

[landstander]

My New World Tourist has a slight amount of backward/forward flex in the stem, although it's not noticeable unless I'm pushing pretty hard (and is quite minor even then). I've never noticed any sideways flex, however. Does this bike have an adjustable-height stem? If so, how much material extends below the QR?

You might consider calling the BF folks, and asking them about this issue. I understand that they're quite helpful, even if you're not the person who originally purchased the bike from them.

[Mr_Super_Socks]

my drop bar new world tourist has essentially no noticeable flex, even when I am standing and throwing the bike back and forth. that's why I prefer it to my dahon speed tr.
sounds to me like something is wrong with it. I have ridden a twenty and it is not as stiff in the front end and my bf.

[photocycler]

The stem on this one folds at the base, just above the headset, and a QR lever locks the hinge. That may be where the flex comes from but the steerer tube also appears to be a smaller diameter than todays tubes. I guess I'll live with it for awhile and contact BF if it really turns out to be an issue.

I just got the bike last night and haven't had a chance to ride it beyond the street out front, but that little bit felt really good. I rode my Twenty all over NYC yesterday and then rode the BF when I got home. Quite a different feel as the BF is much lighter and more lively feeling. The set up is a little more comfortable also. I love the Twenty for what it is, a solid, sturdy bike that can take the abuse of city streets, then quickly fold up and ride the train back home. Now, with the BF, I'm really stoked about being able to take a bike on the plane for business trips. I've always hated being without a bike for a week (sometimes 3 weeks) at a time. I'm actually looking forward to travelling again!

[Dave Hickey]

I'd check with BF. Something doesn't sound right. Does the stem actually fold or is it removable? I'm by no means an expert on the older models with I've never seen a foldable handlepost on a BF.

Both of my BF's have 1 1/8 steerers vs 1 1/4 on the newer models but even with the smaller diameter, I get zero side to side flex...

Even if you didn't get the bike from BF, call them. They are very easy to work with and eagar to help

[spambait11]

Ditto. Sounds like you have an after-market stem - BFs as recently as 1998 do not have folding stems. Headsets as large as 1 1/4" though are common even on older models.

The only folding stem I've ever seen BF have is on a prototype commuter which hasn't been released yet.

[DaFriMon]

The stem on this one folds at the base, just above the headset, and a QR lever locks the hinge. That may be where the flex comes from but the steerer tube also appears to be a smaller diameter than todays tubes. I guess I'll live with it for awhile and contact BF if it really turns out to be an issue. . .

Like DH, I've never heard of a BF with a truly foldable stem before. On the ones I've seen, the stem is fastened with a QR at the top of the steerer tube, and pulls off for folding.

There are some Bike Friday technical documents here (http://www.bikefriday.com/serviceDocumentLib.cfm), but I didn't see anything that looked promising for your specific issue. As others have suggested, try writing to or phoning BF, but I have one other recommendation. Look for the frame number on your bike and give it to them. If it was a particularly unusual custom build, this might help them advise you on the problem.

Later, it occurs to me to add one thing. I also have a Dahon Speed P8, which *does* have a hinged handlepost that folds to the side. Even on that, there is no side to side flex when riding the bike, just a little fore and aft flex when pulling fairly hard on the bars.

[spambait11]

Here are pics as to what your Navigator should look like. It should have a removable stem, not a folding one:
BF Navigator (http://onohiroki.cycling.jp/bike-bozzio1.html)

[photocycler]

I've checked with BF and my model (1998 Navigator) was indeed made with a folding stem tube. This model was only made for a short period but they tell me they've made other models with folding stems including a current Sat R Day model.

I've measured my steerer tube and it's only 1" which probably accounts for much of the flex. I rode the bike today and learned that the flex is also fore and aft but it's only noticeable if you pull fairly hard on the bars. The flex was much more pronounced standing in the garage last night and pushing down on the bars. Probably not a fair test.

In any case, I've e-mailed the only technician at BF who has any experience with this model and we'll see if he can shed any light on the matter. He's out sick so it may take a few days. Thanks to everyone for the advice.

[DaFriMon]

I've checked with BF and my model (1998 Navigator) was indeed made with a folding stem tube. This model was only made for a short period . . .

That's cool. I never knew that.

If you are able to post a picture or two, it would be interesting.